Former Chelsea defender preparing to join former England team-mate Steven
Gerrard ahead of the MLS season's start on March 6

Ashley Cole is in talks with LA Galaxy and will become the latest Premier League star to join America's Major League Soccer.

Cole could officially complete his move next week and is preparing to join former England team-mate Steven Gerrard ahead of the MLS season's start on March 6.

The 35-year-old is close to agreeing a settlement of his contract at Roma and will then join LA Galaxy in what is certain to be his last club before retirement.

Ashley Cole featured in November's Unicef match at Old Trafford

Cole has not featured for Roma since the 0-0 draw with Chievo in March and was not even named in the Serie A club's squad list season.

But the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back is ready for one final challenge and has agreed to leave Roma early, with his contract expiring at the end of this season. LA Galaxy have already begun their pre-season training this month.

Cole and Gerrard could also be joined by Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott, who has been offered a three-year contract by the MLS club.

Lescott only signed for Villa, who he supported as a youngster, in the summer but is considering the prospect of moving Stateside.

Cole could join up with Gerrard

Villa are keen to lower their wage bill and Lescott is one of the higher earners after his £1.5million move from West Bromwich Albion in September.

Lescott also clashed with supporters in Villa's 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers last weekend, though he went some way to repairing that relationship with the winner in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.